Description
“Images of Deviance” is a seminal work by Stanley Cohen, first published in 1971. In this influential sociological text, Cohen presents a comprehensive framework for understanding and analyzing deviance in society. The book explores how societal reactions to deviant behavior contribute to the construction of deviant images and the labeling of individuals or groups as outsiders.
Cohen introduces the concept of “moral panics,” which refers to episodes where public anxieties and fears about perceived deviance become amplified and lead to societal overreactions. Using case studies and examples, Cohen examines how the media, authorities, and the general public contribute to the amplification and stigmatization of deviant behavior.
The book has had a lasting impact on the field of criminology and the study of deviance, influencing subsequent research and discussions on the social construction of deviant identities. “Images of Deviance” is essential reading for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding how societies define and respond to behaviors considered outside the norm.
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